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Maitake is a mushroom delicacy eaten as part of traditional cuisines around the world, but it's more recently been discovered for its therapeutic potential. When taken as a supplement, Maitake is often used in larger doses, which begs the question–what are the side effects of Maitake?
The most common side effects are upset stomach, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. However, most people tolerate maitake well and side effects are rare.
Let's discuss what you need to know about Maitake side effects before adding it to your daily wellness routine:
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Table of ContentsMaitake, also known as "Hen of the Woods," is a type of medicinal mushroom valued for its rich nutrient content and potential health benefits. Native to Japan and North America, Maitake is known for its immune-boosting properties, thanks to its high levels of beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that enhances immune function.
This mushroom is also studied for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels, support cardiovascular health, and promote overall wellness. With a unique, earthy flavor, Maitake is enjoyed both as a culinary ingredient and as a supplement.
There is some research to back up Maitake’s potential health benefits, but before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about the composition of the Maitake and what makes it such a powerful nutritional supplement.
Like all mushrooms, Maitake is made up mostly of polysaccharides, or complex carbohydrates that fuel the body. Additionally, the Maitake contains many essential nutritional and bioactive compounds, including:
Let’s break a couple of those down:
Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide that are much more bioactive than other carbohydrate. Because they are bioactive, they are often linked to the positive health effects of many mushrooms.
Like other mushrooms, Maitake also contains many different terpenoids, a modified classification of terpenes. These are lipids that are believed to give various mushrooms their immunomodulatory benefits.
Although Maitake has been used medicinally for thousands of years, modern research is still somewhat limited. For now, most of the research available focuses heavily on its potential benefits for cancer treatment and prevention and boosting the immune system.
Mushrooms have long been regarded as having immune-stimulating properties, and some research identifies Maitake as one of the most powerful functional mushrooms for boosting the immune system.
One study compared the immune boosting benefits of Shitake, Maitake, and a combination of the two. The research found that the combination extract was the most active in terms of stimulating the immune system defense response. On its own, maitake was second-most effective at stimulating immune reactions.
A 2012 study found that a Maitake extract was effective in killing human cancer cells and also increased the effectiveness of cancer-fighting proteins taken at the same time.
A 2013 study concluded that a Maitake extract may be able to prevent the growth and reproduction of cancerous cells, specifically that it may be useful for preventing or treating breast cancer.
Another 2013 animal study found that Maitake may help suppress tumor growth while boosting the immune response against the tumor. Mouse subjects were found to have a higher number of active immune cells fighting against tumor growth after taking regular Maitake doses.
More research is needed to fully understand how different Maitake preparations can be used to manage cancer in humans, but the overall immune-boosting potential is promising.
A 2013 study found that Maitake extract could be beneficial for lowering high cholesterol, though the study involved animal subjects. Of course, the study also linked Maitake to other nutritional benefits, like an increase in fatty acids that convert to energy, which may help to keep the circulatory system healthy.
A 2015 study investigated the potential benefits of Maitake mushrooms for rats with type 2 diabetes. Regularly consuming Maitake resulted in lower glucose levels. The authors believe that these results could translate to benefits in humans with diabetes, but more research is needed.
Maitake mushrooms are thought to be safe for most people. In fact, Maitake is commonly eaten both raw and cooked as a part of a healthy diet. In almost all cases, the potential benefits of Maitake supplementation outweigh the possible risks. Still, there are some rare possible side effects to be aware of.
Based on anecdotal reports and what we know about medicinal mushrooms, side effects may include:
In some cases, medicinal mushrooms could lower your blood pressure. This risk is higher if you have diabetes, and you should consult your doctor about how Maitake may impact your blood pressure.
Although it is rare, some people experience a mushroom allergy. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Maitake mushrooms may include:
In some cases, medicinal mushrooms like Maitake may interact with certain OTC and prescription medications, which could reduce their efficiency. We'll discuss this more below.
Research regarding Maitake Drug interactions is limited, but experts suggest that it may interact with certain medications because of its tendency to increase bleeding. You should be cautious when taking Maitake with blood thinning medications, such as certain prescriptions or aspirin. You may also need to avoid taking Maitake before surgery since it may increase bleeding.
Although there is not any research to help us specifically identify which drugs Maitake may have interactions with, we do know that herbal supplements and medicinal mushrooms may interact with some of the following:
You should discuss Maitake with your doctor before starting a dosage routine if you already take one or more prescription medications daily. In many cases, Maitake is safe to take, but your dosage and dosing routine must be altered. Work with your doctor to pay attention to any Maitake side effects when combining it with other supplements and medications.
Nope! Maitake mushrooms do not directly impact the body's hormone release in the same manner as many habit-forming pharmaceuticals. In other words, Maitake has no more potential to be addictive than any of your favorite foods.
Most people can take Maitake without complication, and the mushroom is frequently eaten raw or prepared as part of traditional cuisines. Some experts advise against Maitake supplementation for the following people:
Yes, Maitake can be taken daily. In fact, it's necessary to take Maitake daily to enjoy its full benefits.
Maitake does not produce any instantaneous effects. Instead it needs to be taken daily for 2-4 weeks to experience its full benefits.
No. Some people confuse the term "medicinal mushroom" with psychoactive or hallucinogenic effects, but Maitake produces no such effects. Maitake will not get you high or produce any cognitive impairments.
Maitake mushroom might act as a blood thinner, which means it should not be combined with other blood thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. It could increase your chance of bleeding and should not be used within two weeks of a scheduled surgery.
Maitake may decrease blood sugar, and should therefore not be used alongside medications used to control diabetes. Work with a doctor to monitor your blood sugar when taking Maitake if you suffer from irregular blood sugar levels.
Maitake mushroom is known for its immune-boosting properties and potential benefits in regulating blood sugar levels. It contains beta-glucans, which can enhance immune function, and may also support cardiovascular health and improve overall vitality.
Maitake mushroom may interact with medications that affect blood sugar levels or blood clotting. It could potentially enhance the effects of anticoagulant or antidiabetic medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before combining Maitake with any such medications.
There is limited research on Maitake mushroom's direct effects on testosterone levels. While some studies suggest that Maitake may influence hormonal balance, there is no strong evidence to confirm that it specifically increases testosterone levels.
No, Maitake mushroom is not considered a stimulant. Instead, it is known for its supportive roles in immune health and overall well-being. It does not have stimulating effects like caffeine or other stimulants.
Maitake mushroom may have a mild influence on hormonal balance, particularly in relation to insulin and blood sugar levels. However, its impact on hormones is generally considered to be subtle and not as pronounced as other hormonal treatments.
Maitake mushroom may aid in weight loss indirectly by supporting metabolic health and regulating blood sugar levels. Its effects on weight loss are not dramatic, but it may contribute to overall metabolic support and healthy weight management as part of a balanced diet.
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